Obviously Optimistic Oldies - what does that mean?

Have you heard this before?

I hadn’t either until a couple of months ago.  I was driving home listening to the radio when one of the guys starting talking about it.

He (let’s call him Dave), was out shopping for a new fridge, when he came across a couple next to him also buying a new fridge. 

That’s not so unusual, but the couple standing next to Dave were both in their 90’s. 

Now most people, including me, at this stage, are going “awwww, how sweet”.  But not Dave, no Dave thinks this is ridiculous, why would a couple in their 90’s need a new fridge – they are obviously optimistic about how long they are going to need a fridge for and maybe they should keep the one they have.

I know, sounds harsh, and I thought so at first too, but I sort of understand what he was saying.

Dave then went on to bag his mum Shirl, who is 82, because she bought a new car, and the car she sold had less than 20k on the clock and was in great condition.  To quote Dave “Shirl the girl is obviously an optimistic oldie. Who needs a new car at 82?”

Dave’s philosophy was – “why not buy these items that last for years, when you know you can enjoy them for a long time?”

Anyway, it made me start thinking…. Lyle would like to buy a new car.  We only have one car and it’s a 2007 Lexus.  In it’s heyday it was a pretty flash car, but now it’s looking very tired.  The paint is fading and the upholstery is showing severe signs of wear and tear.  I love driving it though, it feels safe and secure on the road – and I particularly like the cooling vents in the seats!!

However, if we buy a new car now, we can enjoy driving it on our road trips and all the new technology that new cars have.  No more buying adaptors etc. that connect my phone to the car so I can listen to music, audiobooks, or podcasts.

After talking to Lyle about Obviously Optimistic Oldies, we decided to buy a new car and here it is. We have named our new car Ruby (Suba-Ruby).

What are your thoughts on Obviously Optimistic Oldies - harsh or fair?